Soy schnitzels

Soy Schnitzels - A Delicious and Healthy Choice

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Who would have thought that schnitzels could be so versatile? This soy schnitzel recipe is not only a delicious alternative to traditional meat schnitzels but also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. Soy is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and beyond. Moreover, soy schnitzels are easy to prepare, making them a perfect dish for quick family meals or a dinner with friends.

Necessary ingredients:

- 100 g of textured soy (or soy granules)
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (fresh or granulated, as preferred)
- 100 g of flour
- 100 g of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A splash of broth (or soup)
- Dried basil (for added flavor)
- Oil for frying

Step 1: Preparing the soy

Start by placing the textured soy in a deep bowl and adding enough warm water to cover it completely. Add a splash of broth and the dried basil. Let the soy soak for about 2 hours. This step is essential as it helps the soy granules absorb flavor and become soft. During this time, you can organize the other ingredients and prepare for the next steps.

Step 2: Boiling the soy

Once the soy has soaked, transfer the granules along with the water they soaked in into a pot. Boil them over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Ensure the soy becomes soft, but do not overboil it, as it will lose its texture. After boiling, drain the soy well.

Step 3: Preparing the coating mixture

In a deep plate, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the crushed or granulated garlic. This mixture will give an intense flavor to your schnitzels.

Step 4: Preparing the breading

In another bowl, place the flour, and in a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. Arrange all three bowls next to each other to make the breading process easier.

Step 5: Breading the soy

Take a portion of soy and first coat it in flour, ensuring it is well covered. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, letting the excess drain off. Finally, coat the soy in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. This will provide a crispy and delicious crust.

Step 6: Frying the schnitzels

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. Add the soy schnitzels and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow each schnitzel to fry evenly.

Step 7: Serving

Once the schnitzels are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. You can serve them hot, alongside a fresh salad, a yogurt sauce, or even a spicy tomato sauce. These schnitzels are also perfect as a filling for a sandwich or as an appetizer at a party.

Practical tips:

1. Enhance the flavor: You can experiment with different herbs and spices in the egg mixture or flour, such as paprika, thyme, or oregano.
2. Breading variations: If you want an even crunchier crust, you can add grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs.
3. Gluten-free alternative: Substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options to make this recipe suitable for everyone.
4. Complementary sauces: Soy schnitzels pair perfectly with mustard sauce, soy sauce, or a yogurt sauce with mint.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dried soy?
It is not recommended, as dried soy requires a different preparation. Use textured soy (granules) for optimal results.

2. What is the cooking time for schnitzels?
Make sure not to over-fry them; 3-4 minutes on each side is sufficient to achieve a golden crust.

3. Can I keep the schnitzels to consume later?
Yes, you can store the fried schnitzels in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and to reheat them, use the oven to maintain the crispy crust.

Nutrition and calories:

Each serving of soy schnitzels contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying. They are rich in protein, with about 20 g per serving, and contain essential fiber for healthy digestion.

In conclusion, soy schnitzels are not only a healthy choice but also a flavorful culinary experience. I encourage you to try them and personalize them according to your own preferences. Enjoy!